Retrospective evaluation of repeat celiotomy in 53 horses with acute gastrointestinal disease.
Abstract: Fifty-three of 648 horses (8.2%) treated surgically for acute gastrointestinal obstruction were subjected to repeat celiotomy. Forty horses (75%) recovered from anesthesia after repeat celiotomy, and 26 horses (49%) were discharged from the clinic. Excluding two horses lost to follow-up, 10 of 51 horses (20%) survived long term. Horses subjected to repeat celiotomy had a significantly lower long-term survival rate than horses subjected to a single celiotomy. Twenty-eight horses had mechanical obstructions, and 22 had functional obstructions at the second surgery. Significantly more horses with mechanical obstructions recovered from anesthesia, but there was no difference in short-term or long-term survival. Seventy-seven percent of horses were subjected to two celiotomies without being discharged from the clinic between procedures. The intervals between primary and repeat celiotomies ranged from less than 24 hours to 4 years, with 89% of them being less than 2 months. Horses with functional obstructions at the second surgery had a significantly shorter interval between surgeries than horses with mechanical obstructions. Twenty-three horses had sequelae of the primary celiotomy, 19 had progression of their original disease, 8 had recurrence of the same condition, and 3 had unrelated problems. Intestinal ischemic necrosis was the most common diagnosis at repeat celiotomy, and small intestinal obstruction by adhesions was the second most frequent.
Publication Date: 1989-11-01 PubMed ID: 2603372DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950x.1990.tb01118.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 53 horses that underwent repeat celiotomy, a surgical procedure to access the abdominal cavity, due to acute gastrointestinal disease. The results suggested a significantly lower long-term survival rate in these horses compared to those that underwent a single surgery. The study also examined the types of obstructions these horses faced and noted a shorter interval between surgeries for horses with functional obstructions.
Research Method
- The researchers screened and selected 53 horses that had been treated surgically for acute gastrointestinal obstruction and had undergone repeat celiotomy.
- The study involved a sample of horses subjected to repeat celiotomy out of a larger pool of 648 horses that had been surgically treated for similar conditions.
- The study was retrospective, meaning that it was based on examining past data rather than a controlled, prospective research study.
Key Findings
- Out of the 53 selected, 40 horses (75%) recovered from anesthesia post operation, and 26 horses (49%) were discharged from the clinic.
- However, excluding two horses who were lost to follow-up, long-term survival was seen only in 10 of 51 horses (20%).
- It was determined that horses undergoing repeat celiotomy had a significantly lower rate of long-term survival compared to those requiring only a single surgery.
- The research also found a significantly shorter interval between surgeries in horses exhibiting functional obstructions at the second operation, compared to those with mechanical obstructions.
Type of Obstructions and Associated Conditions
- There were 28 horses with mechanical obstructions and 22 with functional obstructions requiring a second surgery.
- While more horses with mechanical obstructions were able to recover from anesthesia, the study found no significant difference in short-term or long-term survival rates between the two types of obstructions.
- The most common diagnosis at the time of repeat celiotomy was intestinal ischemic necrosis, followed by small intestinal obstruction caused by adhesions.
Implications and Conclusions
- The study shows an increased risk and lower long-term survival rate in horses that are subjected to repeat celiotomy procedures.
- This emphasizes the importance of successful first interventions and the need for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment in horses with acute gastrointestinal obstruction.
Cite This Article
APA
Parker JE, Fubini SL, Todhunter RJ.
(1989).
Retrospective evaluation of repeat celiotomy in 53 horses with acute gastrointestinal disease.
Vet Surg, 18(6), 424-431.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950x.1990.tb01118.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Gastrointestinal Diseases / surgery
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Intestinal Obstruction / surgery
- Intestinal Obstruction / veterinary
- Intestine, Small / surgery
- Male
- Reoperation / veterinary
- Retrospective Studies
Citations
This article has been cited 9 times.- Spadari A, Gialletti R, Gandini M, Valle E, Cerullo A, Cavallini D, Bertoletti A, Rinnovati R, Forni G, Scilimati N, Giusto G. Short-Term Survival and Postoperative Complications Rates in Horses Undergoing Colic Surgery: A Multicentre Study. Animals (Basel) 2023 Mar 20;13(6).
- Lenoir A, Perrin BRM, Lepage OM. Ex Vivo Comparison of a UV-Polymerizable Methacrylate Adhesive versus an Inverting Pattern as the Second Layer of a Two-Layer Hand-Sewn Jejunal Anastomosis in Horses: A Pilot Study. Vet Med Int 2021;2021:5545758.
- Alonso Jde M, Alves AL, Watanabe MJ, Rodrigues CA, Hussni CA. Peritoneal response to abdominal surgery: the role of equine abdominal adhesions and current prophylactic strategies. Vet Med Int 2014;2014:279730.
- Martín-Cuervo M, Gracia LA, Vieitez V, Jiménez J, Durán E, Ezquerra LJ. Postsurgical segmental mesenteric ischemic thrombosis in a horse. Can Vet J 2013 Jan;54(1):83-5.
- Lillich JD, Ray-Miller W, Silver KS, Davis EG, Schultz BD. Intra-abdominal hyaluronan concentration in peritoneal fluid of horses with sudden signs of severe abdominal pain. Am J Vet Res 2011 Dec;72(12):1666-73.
- Abutarbush SM, Carmalt JL, Shoemaker RW. Causes of gastrointestinal colic in horses in western Canada: 604 cases (1992 to 2002). Can Vet J 2005 Sep;46(9):800-5.
- Singer ER, Livesey MA, Barker IK, Hurtig MB, Conlon PD. Development of a laboratory animal model of postoperative small intestinal adhesion formation in the rabbit. Can J Vet Res 1996 Oct;60(4):296-304.
- Willette J, Guinn A, Munsterman A. Primary Jejunal Impactions Resolved via Exploratory Celiotomy in Six Horses: 2017-2023. Animals (Basel) 2025 Aug 12;15(16).
- Garrett A, Gallaher H, Spinner M. Small Intestinal Strangulation Secondary to Omental Adhesion Entrapment in a Dog. Case Rep Vet Med 2025;2025:3644983.
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